In France, a bill authorising ratification of the PPI was approved by the French National Assembly on 4 October 2017 (where it was introduced by the government together with an impact study) and is progressing through the Senate (Parliament’s other chamber). For a bill to be passed by Parliament, both chambers must approve the identical text. On 6 December 2017, the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, following consideration of the rapporteur’s report and his recommendation, approved the bill without amendment. The rapporteur, Ronan Le Gleut, had outlined the proposed UPC system and the situation in Germany and the UK regarding ratification of the UPC Agreement; he noted that a decision from the German Constitutional Court on the current challenge to ratification was expected next spring and also that, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UK may ratify early next year. Regarding France’s participation in the UPC, Mr Le Gleut commented on France’s central role (with not only the headquarters of the central division being in Paris but also the first President of the Court of First Instance being French) and the importance of the UPC system to French industry and the economy. The Senate will now examine the bill next week, on 20 December.

In France, a bill authorising ratification of the PPI was approved by the French National Assembly on 4 October 2017 (where it was introduced by the government together with an impact study) and is progressing through the Senate (Parliament’s other chamber). For a bill to be passed by Parliament, both chambers must approve the identical text. On 6 December 2017, the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, following consideration of the rapporteur’s report and his recommendation, approved the bill without amendment. The rapporteur, Ronan Le Gleut, had outlined the proposed UPC system and the situation in Germany and the UK regarding ratification of the UPC Agreement; he noted that a decision from the German Constitutional Court on the current challenge to ratification was expected next spring and also that, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UK may ratify early next year. Regarding France’s participation in the UPC, Mr Le Gleut commented on France’s central role (with not only the headquarters of the central division being in Paris but also the first President of the Court of First Instance being French) and the importance of the UPC system to French industry and the economy. The Senate will now examine the bill next week, on 20 December.